Method of displaying product and service performance data

ABSTRACT

An entertaining and informative method of displaying competitive product performance data is disclosed. The various embodiments include a method for displaying product performance data by use of animated contests between animated representatives of competing products. The contest results are relative to selected product test results. The relationship between the test results and the contest results is a mathematical approximation. Thus, a gross disparity in the displayed animated contest is indicative of a gross disparity in the performance of the products on the test. Likewise, a closely fought contest in the displayed animated contest is indicative of close performance of the products on the test.

RELATED ART

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No.60/441,101.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the area of data display formatsand more particularly to the area of product and service testing anddisplay of performance data. Still more particularly, the presentinvention relates to display of competitive product and serviceperformance data and physical properties or characteristics usingnormalized data and graphical animation to display data such as testresults, cost, and physical properties in an entertaining andinformative manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Testing and comparing products and services is an importantsocial function that has been performed most exceptionally by consumerprotection groups, and most notably by Consumer Union of U.S., Inc.(101v Truman Avenue, Yonkers, N.Y.) which publishes Consumer Reports®and The Buying Guide®. These publications have historically displayedthe overall results of scientific testing of products in the form ofhorizontal histograms having an “Overall Score” with scale increments of“P” for “Poor,” “F” for “Fair,” “G” for “Good,” “VG” for “Very Good,”and “E” for “Excellent.” This rating is based on a relative measurementto some standard established by Consumer Union. The standard is notimmediately obvious, since the best product is not always rated asexcellent, and the worst product is not always rated as poor.

[0004] In addition to the overall results displayed in histograms,Consumer Reports® and The Buying Guide®, the results of specificcategorical tests are displayed in the form of shaded circles. A circlehaving horizontal bars covering the entire area of the circle represents“Excellent” performance. A circle having one-half of its surface coveredby horizontal bars represents “Very Good” performance. A clear circlerepresents “Good” performance. A circle having one-half of its surfaceblackened represents “Fair” performance. A circle that is entirelyblackened represents “Poor” performance.

[0005] While the above-described means of displaying performance areadequate for printed media, they are not very entertaining when viewedin an electronic format. They fail to take advantage of availabletechnology that has been used to make other forms of educationentertaining. Offering entertaining forms of education has been shown tobenefit the students by making them interested in learning, andimproving their ability to retain the information learned.

[0006] Commercials that make televised comparisons of products are wellknown and have been around for years. For example, taste testing ofcarbonated beverages such as Coca-Cola® and Pepsi® show actors selectingthe sponsors' beverage in a blind taste test. These commercials fail toshow the actors selecting the non-sponsored beverage, which nearly halfof them do, and thus the commercial fails to communicate the statisticalreality of the results of the testing. The commercials attempt todisplay the actual test, but not necessarily any display of thestatistical results of multiple trials.

[0007] Other commercials have shown actors wiping up spills with a papertowel in which the paper towel self-destructs on contact with the spill.When the sponsor's paper towel is used it absorbs the spill and stilllooks new. These commercials also attempt to display the actual test,without data acquisition, normalization, or alternative display of theresults.

[0008] Other commercials utilize a format that is designed to suggestsome level of scientific comparison of products. The most famous ofthese was perhaps the one in which a gasoline had an additive that wasproclaimed to substantially reduce pollution. A car was shown with alarge plastic bag attached to the exhaust pipe filling up with blacksmoke, while men in lab coats with clipboards walked around takingnotes. The same car was then filled with the sponsor's gasoline and thebag attached to the exhaust pipe appeared to be full of fresh air. Itwas later discovered that the first bag was made of a colored plastic.Besides misrepresenting the facts, this commercial failed to show a truerelative performance of competing products that were scientificallytested, and instead suggested portrayal of an end result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the priorart and introduces a new concept, which integrates the principals ofedutainment into one of infotainment. A primary advantage of the presentinvention is that it applies, in all respects, to testing of eitherproducts or services, and for the purpose of disclosure of the variousembodiments of the present invention, all references to testing ofproducts included herein are intended and understood to apply to amethod of displaying service performance data as well, and are notintended or understood to be limited to a method of displaying theperformance data of products.

[0010] Another advantage of the present invention is that it discloses amethod of displaying the results of performance testing of products in amanner that is entertaining. Another advantage of the present inventionis that it discloses a method of displaying the results of performancetesting of products in a manner that is numerically relevant to theresults of the test. Another advantage of the present invention is thatit discloses a method of displaying the results of performance testingof products in a manner that is unrelated to the nature of the productstested. Another advantage of the present invention is that it disclosesa method of displaying the results of performance testing of products ina manner that is unrelated to the nature of the test performed. Anotheradvantage of the present invention is that it permits modification ofthe display of the results to the logo or company colors of themanufacturer of the product. Another advantage of the present inventionis that it discloses a method of displaying the results of performancetesting of products in a video or graphically animated manner.

[0011] Another advantage of the present invention is that it discloses amethod of displaying the same results of a performance test of two ormore products in multiple formats. Another advantage of the presentinvention is that it discloses a method of interactive comparison ofselectable products and selectable tests. Another advantage of thepresent invention is that it discloses a method of displaying theresults of a performance test of multiple products. Another advantage ofthe present invention is that it discloses a method of displaying theresults of multiple tests that can include products that are tested at alater date. Another advantage of the present invention is that itdiscloses a method of displaying comparisons of product characteristicsother than performance in a graphically animated manner.

[0012] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following descriptions, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, anembodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method ofdisplaying product data is disclosed comprising the general steps of:

[0014] 1. Determining a first product value representing a firstproduct's test performance;

[0015] 2. Determining a second product value representing a secondproduct's test performance;

[0016] 3. Solving for a contest value between the first product valueand the second product value; and,

[0017] 4. Selecting an animation file to be displayed, using the contestvalue.

[0018] An alternative embodiment includes the above steps with theadditional step of:

[0019] 5. Publishing the animation file on a web page for viewing byInternet users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The objects and features of the invention will become morereadily understood from the following detailed description and appendedclaims when read in conjunction with the drawings and tables.

[0021] The drawings and tables constitute a part of this specificationand include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may beembodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instancesvarious aspects of the invention may be shown by data or drawingexaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

[0022] TABLE 1 is a table of calculated contest value ranges andcorresponding graphic files.

[0023] TABLE 2 discloses an array relationship between subjective testresults and corresponding graphic files.

[0024] TABLE 3 discloses an array relationship between product testresults, calculated contest values, and indication of the bestperforming product.

[0025] TABLE 4 discloses an array relationship between a number ofgraphic files to choose from and calculated contest values where thenumber of graphic file choices exceeds the potential contest results.

[0026] TABLE 5 discloses an array relationship between calculatedcontest values and combat sequences, whereas the length of the battledepicts the closeness of the battle.

[0027] TABLE 6 discloses example data for previously determined productvalues for three products.

[0028] TABLE 7 discloses example data for newly determined productvalues for two additional products for the same test as the data inTABLE 6.

[0029]FIG. 1 is a diagram disclosing the steps of a preferred embodimentof the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 2 is an example of a graphical image display of the animatedrepresentatives of the type that might be used to represent two productswhose test performance data was to be compared. The diagram representsthe beginning of a combat sequence.

[0031]FIG. 3 is an example of a later in time graphical image display ofthe same combat sequence shown in FIG. 2. In this display, the animatedrepresentative on the left represents the product that had the superiorperformance on the test.

[0032]FIG. 4 is an example of a still later in time graphical imagedisplay of the same combat sequence shown in FIG. 3. In this display,the animated representative on the left again represents the productthat had the superior performance on the test.

[0033]FIG. 5 is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the inventiondemonstrating a means for displaying a selected animation filerepresenting the contest results on the Internet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The following description is presented to enable any personskilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in thecontext of a particular application and its requirements. Variousmodifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein maybe applied to other embodiments and applications without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles andfeatures disclosed herein.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method ofdisplaying product data is disclosed comprising the general steps of:

[0036] 1. Determining a first product value representing a firstproduct's performance on at least one test;

[0037] 2. Determining a second product value representing a secondproduct's performance on the same test(s);

[0038] 3. Solving for a contest value between the first product valueand the second product value;

[0039] 4. Selecting an animated contest file by relationship to thecontest value; and,

[0040] 5. Providing a display means for displaying the animated contest.

[0041]FIG. 1 is a simplified diagrammatic representation of these steps.

[0042] In the first step of this embodiment, a first product valuerepresenting a first product's performance on a test is determined. Theproduct value can be a singular result, or a statistical numericalrepresentation of a number of trials. For all purposes throughout thisdocument, it is understood that a “test” can be, but is not limited to,a chemical, electrical, mechanical, or other measurement, observation orevaluation of the performance or physical properties or characteristicsof a product, either subjective or objective.

[0043] In the second step of this embodiment, a second product valuerepresenting a second product's performance on the same test isdetermined. The unit of measure used is irrelevant, since the same testwill be used to measure the first and second products' performance.Again, the product value can be a singular result, or a statisticalnumerical representation of a number of trials.

[0044] In the third step of this embodiment, a contest value isdetermined between the first product value and the second product value.A simple method for achieving this step is achieved by dividing thelower product value by the higher product value. The contest value isthen a number less than 1, unless the results are equal. If the resultsare equal, the contest value will equal 1. In this manner, the contestvalue represents a performance ratio, or percentage of equality inperformance between the first product and the second product for thetest or tests represented by the product values for the products. If alarger product value represents better product performance on the tests,then the larger of the first product value and the second product valueis the best result. If a smaller product value represents better productperformance on the tests, then the smaller of the first product valueand the second product value is the best result.

[0045] For example, if the first product value is 23 units, and thesecond product value is 33 units, then the contest value would be23+0.32=0.719 or approximately 72%. If a larger product value representsbetter product performance on the tests, then the first product value inthis example is said to be only 72% as good as the second product value.If a smaller product value represents better product performance on thetests, then the second product value in this example is said to be only72% as good as the first product value.

[0046] In the fourth step of this embodiment, the contest value is usedto select a representative animation file to be displayed. The animationfile can be an animated graphic file, a video file, or other. In apreferred embodiment, a database is provided with a number “n” foranimated graphic files that depict different combat or athleticcompetition sequences between animated characters. A principaldifference between the animated sequences is the closeness of thecontest. In the case of combat sequences, for example, increasinglyhigher contest values are thus associated with increasingly closecombat, with the highest contest value (one) associated with a combativeimpasse. Each graphic file may thus be associated with a range ofcontest values. The size of the contest value range “r” is inverselyrelated to the number of graphic files available for selection. Forexample, where ten different graphic files are available:

[0047] n animation files

[0048] r=range

[0049] r=1/n

[0050] n=10

[0051] r=0.10

[0052] Table 1 is a table example of an array relationship betweencontest values and associated graphic files, where n=10, and r=0.10.TABLE 1 Contest Value Graphic File Animation 0.0-.1 A Very lopsidedcontest >.1-.2 B >.2-.3 C >.3-.4 D >.4-.5 E Increasingly closecontest >.5-.6 F >.6-.7 G >.7-.8 H >.8-.9 I Very close contest >.9-1.0 JImpasse

[0053] As shown in Table 1, the contest value can be represented by anumerical range for the purpose of selection of a graphic file fordisplay. In the above example, graphic file H would be selected, sincethe contest value of 0.72 is within the contest value range of(>0.7-0.8). In this embodiment, the contest value is determined on thebasis of a mathematical relationship between the first product value andthe second product value, and subsequent selection of a graphic fileencompasses a range of contest values. In the above example, the numberof possible contest results is infinite, and the number of animatedgraphic files is limited. As such, each graphic animation represents arange of contest values. For example, in Table 1, the same combatsequence would be displayed when the contest value was 0.79. When moregraphic files are available to the array (n is greater), the range ofthe display representation is reduced (1/n is smaller), thus increasingthe accuracy by which the, animation or video represents the contestvalue.

[0054] Since it is always known by the nature of the test which of alarger or smaller product value represents better product performance ona test, this information is used to identify prevailing character in theanimation file. Thus, graphic file H depicts a combat sequence orathletic competition between animated characters in which the betterperforming product defeats the lower performing product in a contestthat is closer than the contest sequence depicted by graphic file G.

[0055] It will be understood and well-known by anyone skilled in the artthat there are numerous equivalent methods for associating the contestvalue to a representative graphic file, many of them statistically morecomplex. Nothing in any of these examples are intended to limit thescope of the claims, but are provided instead solely for the enablingpurpose of illustrating the principals of the invention.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the contest value is rounded to aselected number of significant digits related to the number of graphicfiles available. Thus, the rounded contest value will always beassociated with a graphic file. This is appropriate, since associating arange of contest values to one graphic file represents a rounding stepwhenever the range (inverse of the number of groups) is greater than theuncertainty of the test results. As an example of this embodiment:

[0057] Where the number of graphic files available is 10.

[0058] n=animation files

[0059] r range

[0060] CV=contest value

[0061] s=significant digits in contest value result

[0062] CV_(s)=contest value rounded to s significant digits

[0063] n=10

[0064] r=0.1

[0065] s=1

[0066] CV=0.547789

[0067] CV_(s)=0.5

[0068] In another alternative embodiment, the number of availableanimation files exceeds the number of potential contest values. In thisembodiment, the test may have a greater uncertainty than the value ofthe available ranges, since the graphic file selection will be made fromless than all of the available graphic files. For example: if the testresult requires a subjective (visual) determination of the resistance tooxidation on iron chips after exposure to a metalworking fluid, thepossible results may be those found in Table 2. TABLE 2 SubjectiveResult Product Visible Oxidation Test Value None 1 Light 2 Medium 3Heavy 4

[0069] In Table 2 above, a lower number represents a better result,since that would indicate that the product had inhibited the oxidationof the test specimen.

[0070] Table 3 below includes the product test results from the aboveexample, the contest values and indication of the best performing, orprevailing product. As a very simple example of a method of determiningthe contest value and prevailing product, the following steps may beused:

[0071] 01 PV1=Product Value 1

[0072] 02 PV2=Product Value 2

[0073] 03 CV=Contest Value

[0074] 04 IF (PV1)=(PV2), CV=1.0

[0075] 05 IF (PV1)>(PV2), CV=[(PV2)/(PV1)]

[0076] 06 ELSE CV=[(PV1)/(PV2)] TABLE 3 Product Product Con- Value 1Value 2 test Best (PV1) (PV2) PV1/PV2 PV2/PV1 PV1 = PV2 Value Product 11 1.00 1.00 equal 1 2 0.50 0.50 P1 1 3 0.33 0.33 P1 1 4 0.25 0.25 P1 2 10.50 0.50 P2 2 2 1.00 1.00 equal 2 3 0.67 0.67 P1 2 4 0.50 0.50 P1 3 10.33 0.33 P2 3 2 0.67 0.67 P2 3 3 1.00 1.00 equal 3 4 0.75 0.75 P1 4 10.25 0.25 P2 4 2 0.50 0.50 P2 4 3 0.75 0.75 P2 4 4 1.00 1.00 equal

[0077] From Table 3 above, it is seen that where two products aretested, with four possible test results, there are only six possibledistinct contest values. If there are ten (10) graphic files to choosefrom, the number of animated graphic file choices exceeds the potentialcontest results. Table 4 discloses the six possible contest values forthis example and the associated graphic files. TABLE 4 Graphic ContestValue Range File 0.0-.1 A >.1-.2 B .25 >.2-.3 C .33 >.3-.4 D >.4-.5 E.50 >.5-.6 F .67 >.6-.7 G .75 >.7-.8 H >.8-.9 I 1.0 >.9-1.0 J

[0078] In another preferred embodiment, the length of the animatedcontest is related to the closeness of the contest. Using the example ofa combat sequence, the closeness of the battle can be depicted by thelength of the battle. This is seen in Table 5 below. TABLE 5 Combat TimeContest Value Graphic File (seconds)    0-.1 A 3 >.1-.2 B 6 >.2-.3 C9 >.3-.4 D 12 >.4-.5 E 15 >.5-.6 F 18 >.6-.7 G 21 >.7-.8 H 24 >.8-.9 I27 >.9-1.0 J 30

[0079] In the example of this embodiment, combat time has anapproximately linear relationship to the Contest Value defined by:

Combat Time=Contest Value (range upper limit)×30

[0080] In this example, the combat sequence (i.e., wrestling, boxing,sword fight, gun fight, etc.) for graphic file G is 21 seconds long,whereas the combat sequence for graphic file B lasts only 6 seconds.Likewise, graphic file G depicts a combat sequence that is less closelyfought than the combat sequence depicted in the graphic file H.Preferably, graphic file J in the above example depicts a combatsequence that ends in a combative impasse. Using an athletic contest inthis embodiment, such as a foot race, time can be used to distinguishbetween the finish time of the winner and loser.

[0081] In another preferred embodiment, the length of the animatedcontest is related to the brutality of the contest. This is preferablyused in combination with the variable length of the combat sequence. Inthis embodiment, the graphic files comprise combat sequences thatdisplay increasing brutality as the contest value approaches zero. Forexample, if the contest value is as low as 0.1, the graphicalrepresentative of the superior performing product could move in quicklyand behead a hapless competitor who is running for his life. Incontrast, if the contest value is as high as 0.9, the graphic file woulddisplay a closely fought contest in which the winner only prevails nearthe very end of the time allotted for the match.

[0082]FIG. 2 discloses an example of the beginning of an animatedgraphical display of a product performance comparison represented bycombat. FIG. 3 discloses an example of the progress of the match inwhich the animated representative on the left represents the productwith the superior test results. FIG. 4 is an example of a still later intime graphical image display of the same combat sequence shown in FIG. 2and FIG. 3. In this display, the animated representative on the leftagain represents the product that had the superior performance on thetest.

[0083]FIG. 5 is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the inventiondemonstrating a means for displaying an animation file selected torepresent the contest results between products or services. In anotherembodiment, a monitor electrically connected to a computer constitutes ameans for displaying the animation file selected to represent thecontest result.

[0084] In another preferred embodiment, a legend is displayedidentifying the products, manufacturers, services, or service providers.In a more preferred embodiment, the legend identifies the test. In astill more preferred embodiment, the animated characters have companylogos or company colors superimposed on them to permit immediaterecognition of the character during the contest.

[0085] In another preferred embodiment, a timing device is displayed tocommunicate the potential length of the contest, and the passing time ofthe current contest. In this manner, the viewer has a relative sense ofthe closeness of the product performances. This could also be displayedin a manner analogous to rounds in a prizefight. If a scheduled tenround fight results in a first round knock-out with the loser biting offthe winner's ears, it is clear that there was a significant disparity inthe performance of the products or services.

[0086] In another preferred embodiment, animated testing devices can beshown with the timing accelerated so that a test result that might havetaken hours, days or weeks, can be simulated and accelerated, with thesimulated display being mathematically related to the actual testresults, as determined by the contest value.

[0087] In another preferred embodiment, a scoring device is displayed tocommunicate the actual relative mathematical result of the contest, suchas the actual contest value.

[0088] In another preferred embodiment, a scoring device is displayed tocommunicate the progressive status of the contest. As with a timer, inthis manner the viewer has a relative sense of the closeness of theproduct performances. This could be displayed as indicative elementssuch as hits, wounds, rate, distance, points, or other measures as arecommonly known in the computer gaming industry.

[0089] In another preferred embodiment, a scoring device is displayed tocommunicate the actual test results, preferably in combination with theunits of measure. In this manner the viewer has a relative sense of thecloseness of the product performances. This could be displayed in amanner such as hits, wounds, rate, distance, points, or other measuresas are commonly known in the computer gaming industry

[0090] In another preferred embodiment, the animation files containprerecorded video files of live sporting contests, as opposed toanimated graphics.

[0091] In another preferred embodiment, the animated graphic filecomprises a file whose displayable animation is determinable in part bythe first product value. In this embodiment, the performance of agraphically animated character is based in part on at least onevariable; for example, strength, skill, senses, speed, or weapons. Inthis embodiment, the first numerical test is used directly or indirectlyto influence the variable.

[0092] In another preferred embodiment, the animated graphic filecomprises a file whose displayable animation is determinable in part bythe contest value. In this embodiment, the relative performance of atleast two graphically animated characters is based in part on at leastone variable; for example, strength, skill, or weapons. In thisembodiment, the contest value is used directly or indirectly toinfluence the variable.

[0093] In another preferred embodiment, the uncertainty or calculatederror of the test results is mathematically related to the contest valueso as to allow the margin of error to depict a combat sequence that ismore closely fought by the amount of the uncertainty or error. If theerror is known to be 1 unit, the first product value is 22 units, andthe second product value is 32 units, an example of a simplified methodof calculating the contest value under this embodiment is:$\frac{\left\lbrack {{{first}\quad {product}\quad {value}} + {{test}\quad {uncertainty}}} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack {{{second}\quad {product}\quad {value}} - {{test}\quad {uncertainty}}} \right\rbrack} = {{{contest}\quad {{{value}\text{}\left\lbrack {22 + 1} \right\rbrack} \div \left\lbrack {32 - 1} \right\rbrack}} = {.77}}$

[0094] If a larger product value represents better product performanceon the tests, then the first product value in this example is said to beapproximately 77% as good as the second product value. If a smallerproduct value represents better product performance on the tests, thenthe second product value in this example is said to be only 77% as goodas the first product value.

[0095] In this example, graphic file H would be selected from Table 1.The use of this embodiment in this manner is seen to select a graphic orvideo file that narrows the disparity between the product test resultsby an amount equal to the error of the test. Without consideration ofthe error or uncertainty, graphic file G would have been selected. As iswell-known and understood to one skilled in the art, there are numerousways to account for the error or uncertainty in the test results. Theforegoing example is intended to demonstrate the embodiment of theinvention, and not otherwise limit the invention or scope of the claimsin any way.

[0096] In another preferred embodiment, the product values of otherproduct performances are used to produce an adjusted contest value, thusproviding greater visual variation in the displayed result. Anotheradvantage to this embodiment is that a single animated charter can becompetitive against numerous competitors, or alone, against existingrecords. Table 6 is a table displaying previously determined productvalues for three products. TABLE 6 Trial Product 1 Product 2 Product 3 142 52 31 2 41 52 32 3 41 51 32 4 43 53 32 Average 41.8 52.0 31.8

[0097] Table 7 represents newly determined product values for twoadditional products. TABLE 7 Trial Product 4 Product 5 1 61 50 2 58 54 360 51 4 61 50 Average 60.0 51.3

[0098] In this example, the average of the test results over a number oftrials is used to determine the product value for each product. Therange of product values for the products is from 31.8 to 60, or 28.2units. Alternatively, the high and low product values for a given trialmay be used. In this embodiment, a product performance can be displayedfor a product against all of the tested competition represented as asingle action character, or as against any of the other tested productsindividually or together (such as in a multi-competitor race orfree-for-all battle). An example of such a comparison is as follows:

Contest value=(Product value−Minimum Result)/Range

[0099] For Product 5 in the example:

Contest value=(51.3−31.8)/(60-31.8)=0.69

[0100] In this example, the graphic file selected from Table 1 torepresent the performance of Product 5 against the field of testedproducts would be G. In this embodiment, a combat sequence related tographic file G, might display the representative graphical actor slaying7 of 10 dragons. An athletic performance representation might show therepresentative graphical actor finishing third out of ten runners in arace (in front of six others). As will be well known to a person ofordinary skill in the art, more sophisticated statistical operations canbe performed without departing from the scope of the disclosedembodiment. For example, standard deviation and variance calculationscan be performed and used to discard data points, and to indicate thereliability of the results for a product or test.

[0101] In another preferred embodiment, the product values of otherproducts are used to produce an ordered sequence of contest values.Graphic files are selected based on the ordered sequence.

[0102] In another embodiment, two products can be compared as before,using the statistical data of other product tests to display therelative product performances. For example:

Contest value=1−(|First product value−Second product value|/Range)

[0103] Comparing Product 5 and Product 1 from Tables 6 and 7 above;

Contest value=1−(|51.3−41.8|/28.2)=0.66

[0104] By this method, the graphic file selected from Table 1 torepresent the contest between the products would be G.

[0105] It is thus seen that this embodiment enables continued testing toestablish relative performance to a broader product spectrum, and alsopermits a more relevant outcome to be displayed.

[0106] In another embodiment, the product value representing a product'stest performance is determined, and a statistical product valuerepresenting a multitude of other products' test results is determined.A contest value is solved between the first product value and thestatistical product value.

[0107] In another preferred embodiment, the product values of otherproduct performances are used to produce a nonlinear adjusted contestvalue, thus providing greater visual variation in the displayed result.

[0108]FIG. 2 discloses another preferred embodiment of the invention, inwhich the performance data of product or service tests are stored on acomputer hosting a website, connected to a server. In this embodiment,the animated contest files selected to represent the contest values arealso stored on the computer or on a computer in communication withanother computer having the performance data of the product or servicetests. Preferably, the files are stored on the Internet serverprovider's computers. The server provides access to the web site onwhich the contest is displayed. Thus, Internet users, visitors, viewers,or subscribers to the website, can see the animated contest between theproducts or services representing the result of performance test betweenthe products or services.

[0109] While this invention has been described in connection with apreferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention to the particular form set forth but, on the contrary, it isintended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents asmay be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A method of displaying competitive product performance data,comprising the steps of: determining a first product value representinga first product's performance; determining a second product valuerepresenting a second product's performance; solving for a contest valuebetween the first product value and the second product value; selectingan animated contest file by relationship to the contest value; and,providing a display means for displaying the animated contest.
 2. Amethod of displaying competitive product performance data in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the step of selecting an animated contest file byrelationship to the contest value further comprises association of arange of contest values to an animated contest file.
 3. A method ofdisplaying competitive product performance data in accordance with claim1, wherein the step of providing a display means for displaying theanimated contest, further comprises: providing access to the animatedcontest file on a web page for initiation by Internet users.
 4. A methodof displaying competitive product performance data in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the step of providing a display means for displayingthe animated contest further comprises: displaying the animated conteston a web page for viewing by Internet users.
 5. A method displayingcompetitive product performance data in accordance with claim 1, whereinthe step of solving for a contest value between the first product valueto the second product value further comprises dividing the first productvalue by the second product value.
 6. A method of displaying competitiveproduct performance data in accordance with claim 1, wherein the step ofdetermining a first product value representing a first product'sperformance result further comprises determining a statisticalrepresentation of the first product's performance for a plurality ofmeasurements of the first product's performance.
 7. A method ofdisplaying competitive product performance data in accordance with claim1, wherein the first product value and the second product value arestatistical representations of multiple test results of the firstproduct and the second product.
 8. A method of displaying competitiveproduct performance data in accordance with claim 1, wherein the stepsof determining a first product value and second product value furthercomprises: a) observing at least one qualitative test result; and, b)quantifying the results on a numerical scale.
 9. A method of displayingcompetitive product performance data in accordance with claim 1, whereinthe step of associating the contest value to a representative animatedgraphic file further comprises: selecting an animated graphic file froma scaled database which portrays an increasingly close contest when thecontest value represents an increasingly close first product value andsecond product value.
 10. A method of displaying competitive productperformance data in accordance with claim 1, further comprising thesteps of: graphically identifying an animated representative of thefirst product; and graphically identifying an animated representative ofthe second product.
 11. A method of displaying competitive productperformance data, comprising the steps of: determining a first productvalue representing a first product's performance; determining a secondproduct value representing a second product's performance; associatingthe first product value to a first animated character performance;associating the second product value to a second animated characterperformance; and, displaying an animated contest between the firstanimated character and the second animated character.
 12. A method ofdisplaying competitive product performance data, comprising the stepsof: determining a first product value representing a first product'sperformance; determining a second product value representing a secondproduct's performance; associating the first product value to aperformance variable of a first animated character; associating thesecond product value to a performance variable of a second animatedcharacter; and, displaying an animated contest between the firstanimated character and the second animated character.
 13. A method ofdisplaying competitive product performance data, comprising the stepsof: determining a first product value representing a first product'sperformance on a test; determining a second product value representing asecond product's performance on the test; adding the first product valueto a database of other product values of other product performances onthe test; adding the second product value to the database of otherproduct values of other product performances on the test; determining astatistical numerical representation of the database; solving for afirst contest value between the first product value and the statisticalnumerical representation; and, solving for a second contest valuebetween the second product value and a statistical numericalrepresentation; and, associating the first contest value to aperformance variable of a first animated character; associating thesecond contest value to a performance variable of a second animatedcharacter; and, displaying an animated contest between the firstanimated character and the second animated character.